CHENNAI: DMDK General Secretary and MLA Premalatha Vijayakanth on Wednesday lashed out at the TVK-led government during its floor test, describing allegations of horse-trading as a matter of great shame for the state.
Along with DMK MLAs, Premalatha too staged a walkout during the vote of confidence.
"If there was horse-trading, there is no greater disgrace than this in this historic House. I am sure the Chief Minister will reply to this," she said in the House.
She also criticised the appointment of an "official special officer" (Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel), referring to him as a "Rajaguru" (royal advisor). "If he is your Rajaguru, you should keep him personally. But bringing him into a high government position... what example are you setting for the youth?" she asked.
Questioning the transparency of the government, which the Chief Minister had promised would be "exemplary," she demanded a public clarification regarding reports of individuals visiting the Chief Minister’s residence in veiled vehicles.
"The Chief Minister said that no one needs to wear a mask here and that he will provide a transparent administration. In that case, I request that the people be informed who went to meet the Chief Minister in a vehicle with their faces covered that day," Premalatha noted.
Addressing the political maneuvering within the house, she noted that the Secular Progressive Alliance provided unconditional support specifically to avoid the imposition of Governor's rule or face another election, but she insisted that leaders like TTV Dhinakaran must explain recent party expulsions to clear the air regarding horse-trading.
Premalatha also thanked the Speaker and the CM for the live telecast of Assembly proceedings, a move she claimed was first championed by the late 'Captain' Vijayakanth, the founder of DMDK, to ensure taxpayers could witness the functioning of their elected representatives.
Soumya Anbumani, representing the PMK, outlined the party's core principles of "social justice, democratic equality, and a drug-free Tamil Nadu".
While she lauded the government’s decision to close over 700 liquor shops, she emphasised the need for total prohibition.
"It is not only my wish but the wish of all women in Tamil Nadu that a drug-free and alcohol-free Tamil Nadu should be formed by the time my grandchildren grow up," she said.
Focusing on social justice, she called for an immediate caste-based survey. "To protect the 69 per cent reservation in Tamil Nadu, a social justice survey called a caste-based survey should be conducted. Based on that, proportional representation should be given to all communities," Soumya added.